Editorial: Wisconsin needs unsolved murders database

An extensive investigation by Gannett Wisconsin Media indicates nearly 300 homicides went unsolved in the state between 2003 and 2012. The list grows each year, yet police have few avenues to pursue other than the occasional local lead.

There is no comprehensive list of cold-case homicides in Wisconsin and no central database that investigators can turn to for assistance in helping to solve these often agonizing cases.

That should change.

Such a database could generate tips and leads for police, according to Lt. Wayne Smith of the Columbia County Sheriff's Department, who recently served as president of the Wisconsin Association of Homicide Investigators.

Information is vital to solving any crime. A seemingly innocuous tip - from anywhere and anyone - could be the key to solving a baffling murder case. The effectiveness of television shows like "America's Most Wanted" is evidence of that.

But the information about cold murder cases must be out there before anyone can help. A database offering the public basic details about unsolved murders in Wisconsin could help.

Police often say that members of the public are their eyes and ears in solving crimes. A cold case database would provide another tool for citizens to be just that.

Creating a database is not as simple as a click or two of a computer mouse, however. It will take commitment - and funding - from the state. A state agency like the Department of Justice would need to assume the helm of such a project. Local agencies would need to buy in and not continue to erect barriers that often stand in the way of sharing information about cold cases.

Investigators, for example, often are jealous of their "turf" and not willing to share information with outside agencies.

Family members and other loved ones of homicide victims, however, care little about such games and only want to see cases solved and justice done.

The Gannett Wisconsin Media team of reporters pored through countless records of 52 police agencies in 34 counties to amass its analysis of cold cases. It is what investigative reporters do, but the general public should be in a better position to have easier access to such information.

A database would provide that and give police a better chance at solving these cold case murders via an increased number of citizen tips.

It is worth the time, effort and cost, at least on a trial basis.

ServingManitowoc|Two Rivers|Wisconsin

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Editorial: Wisconsin needs unsolved murders database

An extensive investigation by Gannett Wisconsin Media indicates nearly 300 homicides went unsolved in the state between 2003 and 2012. The list grows each year, yet police have few avenues to pursue

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